MISC.DIY

Building By Numbers The PDP-FD Hybrid DIY Electronic HH Stand

New Footnote 2015: Over the years there have been small changes in the Pacific HH820. In the latest 2015 model I have found that the chain is just a tad too long and it is best to remove a half section of the end chain link. I do that by cutting the chain plate with a sawzall. That allows me to remove just that half link. Then in order for the new link to fit under the clamp I grind the end of the link enough so it's width will fit under the clamp and slip just far enough into the slot in the Roland pedal so you can attach the clamp. I also drill/expand the bolt hole in the clamp about 1/4" ovaled back so the bolt will fit easily in the clamp.

Here is the Picture Folder I have found the Roland FD-7 HH controller/pedal to be excellent for these stand conversions. After comparing many stands I found the PDP HH820 to be simply ideal. The base of the stand is wide enough with modification to fit with the parts and housing of the FD pedal. The stand is a 2 leg stand with rotating legs, and it is very economical... sweet little stand. Even the chain bracket and bolt fits perfect with the FD-7 pedal and the bolt thread is identical to the bolts of the FD-7. So we start with a great match up: PDP HH820 and Roland FD-7.

The pictures are numbered for the construction of this stand.I will give an explaination of the build following the order.

Sizing up the stand and controller

Removing the pedal base of the PDP HH

View of the underside of the PDP pedal, sizing things up

The chain attachment bracket is a perfect fit even the bolt is usable in the FD pedal attachment.

Disassemble the FD Pedal by removing the top 3 Allen bolts

Remove the slide bracket, plunger and spring

Turn the FD pedal upside down and remove the screws holding the plastic housing. But hold the plastic housing together when removing the last screw. There are a couple tabs holding the plastic casing to the metal base, gently pop those through. Slowly swing the housing up like in the picture. There is a sensor strip that just slides into a slot. If you are careful you will be able to see how it attaches. If it slips out before you notice you can see in my pictures where it connects. It is an easy connection. It just plugs/slides in.

Cut the base of the PDP stand. You will be removing enough so the base will fit neatly inside the housing of the FD-7. The holes for the carpet spikes of the PDP will be used to bolt the stand to the FD-7 plate.

I now cut an additional portion of the base so that it will not contact the sensor strip. I used an Batter operated 18 Volt Ryobi SawzAll for the cutting.

Place the stand and plate together, check the fit. When satisfied, hold the base in place and mark the holes for attaching FD plate to stand. You can scratch a mark on the plate by screwing the spikes down to mark the plate, or just use a nail to scratch a mark.

Drill the 2 holes for stand attachment. I drilled 3/16" holes and used 8-32 X 1 1/4" machine bolts, #8 flat and #8 lock washers, I used wing nuts only because that is what I already had, but 8-32 nuts or lock-nuts will do fine. Place the machine screws through the bottom plate. You can cut a little hole in the rubber of the plate to allow the head of the bolt to flush up to the metal plate.

Place the stand base over the machine bolts and fasten the stand down.

The stand is now fastened to the plate.

Side view of the same.

Cut out the 2 corners of the FD plastic housing. Cut just barely more than you need to to make for an easy fit. The picture shows the plastic housing in place after I had cut out the 2 corners. An easy way to do this is to cut a the 2 areas out but don't go too big... then check it ... cut a little more if needed.

Another view of the housing cut outs.

Reattach the plastic housing being sure your sensor strip is plugged in before closing.

Put the plunger and slide bracket back inside the plastic housing. Put the pedal spring back in place. The pedal must go on top of the black bracket. Attach the pedal to the bracket from underneath using 2 of the Allen screws.

Attach the chain and chain bracket using the remaining Allen bolt.

YOU ARE FINISHED .... The remaining pictures show the finished stand. Picture 25 shows an adapter that I made for VH-12 mode on the TD-12 or TD-20 Drum modules. But the adapter is not really necessary. For technical questions on projects like this or most any E drum related question ... I find the best forum on the net is Vdrums.com Have fun with your DIY endeavors..... J

Roland FD-8 Hi Hat Stand Conversion:

Splitting the Aux. input ... On the Roland TD-20 / use of 2 separate padsI am adding this link as the latest and greatest invention for splitting the Aux. input of the TD-12 or TD-20 (as well as newer modules with Piezo/Piezo inputs)

This is the latest revision of the concept design by Chris.... now a Special Y adapter that will split the input with NO Pad Modification necessary. Here

Adding a second Piezo to mono PD-80 to make a dual zone pad similar to PD-80R or PD-85

See these attached pics from many years ago (note the date).This photo shows a mono-piezo PD-80 I modified by adding a 2nd piezo. Here and Here

You can buy the additional mounting plate and standoff/fasteners through Roland. But

it is also easy to cut something that will work for that plate using sheet metal. There is already

a place on the jack board for the piezo wires. A fairly simple mod to make that PD-80 Dual Zone.

TD-6 to TD-6V Upgrade File

This is the file for upgrading a TD-6 module kits, instruments and trigger parameter choices to TD-6V. I am hosting this as a favor to a vdrums.com member. Instructions are in the folder. Be aware this is at your own risk. Be aware when updating the TD-6 Module to the TD-6V version ... The Trigger preset choices will also be updated... You will notice PD-85/105/125 pad types, etc. ... no more PD-80R choice... (Of course the PD-80R and PD-85 are basically the same anyway.) Download the Zip file Here

CUSTOM WRAP DRUM STICKS

This is my latest wrapped drumsticks. I find grip wrapped drumsticks preferable to dipsticks. I've tried different variations, and the dipsticks peal pretty quickly for me, even when I dip my own. I also find the Wrapsticks eliminate much of the harmful vibrations.

These I call my Tlok Gurt Wrapsticks. I have become fond of the Zildjian Trilok Gurtu Dipsticks, but I have changed the groove, slightly.... placing it ever so slightly higher on the stick, and I've added a slight Bump, via elec. tape, at the bottom of the groove, which tends to keep the stick from sliding forward in my hand.... that has been a problem for me lately...

Here are the pics of this DIY project... pretty simple... I started with Vic Firth 8DN sticks... which are the same approx. size as the Trilok's (I prefer Nylon tip). Here

Used my grinder to notch my groove... For those more Tooled enthusiasts, a lathe would be cleaner, but I find since I do an over-wrap anyway, my grinder does fine. Here

Next I lay a few wraps of elec. tape at the edge below the groove.... that's my extra Bump.... purely a preference.... you obviously don't need that step unless you prefer. Here

Wrapped the stick using Tennis Racket Over-grip tape... One Piece is sufficient when cut in half to do both sticks....So ya get 3 pairs from one pkg. You can also buy Drumstick Grip tape at music stores. The Tennis type is cheaper... Here